Posted this on wheel and tire forum a few days ago, no response. So, here - Benzworld.org

Darkmann · 08-03-2003, 11:22 PM

we go: Car is a MY01 E430.

The OEM tires on this car (my wife's) is Goodyear F1-GS-D2 (Z rated). I never liked them from the beginning - they tend to move too much laterally. However, my threadlife dmarks are beginning to show at just over 31K,...not that bad for an ultra HP tire (if I was the one driving all the time, it wouldn't have been that good!!!). At 31K, these tires howl like a fox - man are they noisy!!!! Anyway, it's time for all four to go and after checking out The Rack, I noticed that the GS-D2-Z has been replaced with the GS-D3-Y (or W, I don't recall, but not Z). What is the difference? I love to see that Z on the side wall!!! I have narrowed my choices to the GS-D3, the RE730 and the ContiSportContact. The B'Stone S03 was eliminated for poor wear, don't know exactly why I took out the B'Stone RE750 and I didn't even consider the Dunlops due to poor cornering performance (I have them on my Turbo-Z now and they are not that great). I absolutely love the RE-71, but that's history!!! Like I said earlier, my Darling Half drives the car most of the time. When I do drive it (usually for service or some long trip) the needle usually stays over 85. So what replacement do I get now. After some research, it's lookin more and more like the GS-D3 will be the choice. But that lateral instability thing can sometimes get quite scary, when one has 3 kids and a wife riding along!!! Advice please. Thanks.

texnteg · 08-04-2003, 07:55 AM

i thought mercedes used only michelin and continental from the factory...

i would suggest the michelin pilot sports or the bfgoodrich g-force t/a kdw.

i don't care for the way continentals wear and for the same price as michelins, they are inferior. i personally don't like goodyear either, even on vettes.

the bfg is a decent price for a z-rated tire and very high holding limits, dunlop has always made excellent tires, i dont know what they currently offer though. i do use their golf balls almost exclusively. my friend just put some pilot sports on his Z06 after having the goodyear f1 tires and he said there is a world of difference, they don't get greasy after alot of runs, they are a little bit quieter and they treadlife is supposed to be much higher.
of what you've chosen, the bridgestones would be the best. check out costco or sams club for tire deals, they have some very good ones and much better than discount tire or other tire chains, and they have a great selection.

S4toML · 08-05-2003, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Anyway, it's time for all four to go and after checking out The Rack, I noticed that the GS-D2-Z has been replaced with the GS-D3-Y (or W, I don't recall, but not Z). What is the difference? I love to see that Z on the side wall!!!

Here's the table of <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/speed.htm" target="_blank">Tire speed and load index</a> from Tireracks website:
<i><small>
Speed Rating - Miles/Hour - Kilometers/Hour - Typical Use
N=87 MPH, 140km/h, Spare Tires U=124 MPH, 200km/h
P=93 MPH, 150km/h H=130 MPH, 210km/h, Sport Sedans
Q=99 MPH, 160km/h, Winter, LT Tires V=149 MPH, 240km/h, Sports Cars
R=106 MPH, 170km/h, LT Tires Z=149 MPH, 240km/h and over, Sports Cars
S=112 MPH, 180km/h W=168 MPH, 270km/h, Exotic Sport Cars
T=118 MPH, 190km/h Y=186 MPH, 300km/h, Exotic Sport Cars
</i></small>

Darkmann · 08-05-2003, 09:32 PM

tomorrow. Good looks combined with super grip!!! However, I think my days of 110+MPH are getting to an end - I need this set to last.

BTW, Tex, MB did use the G'Year F1-GSD as OEM on thge E Class. I believe these were made in Germany or somewhere in Europe. They're really good tires except for the noise and absence of lateral stability.